By Scott Roblin

Rattlers ready for challenge of Canadian Collegiate Golf Nationals

Oct 15, 2018 | 6:33 PM

DESERT BLUME, AB – They’ve worked towards one tournament all year, and now the Medicine Hat College Rattlers will have the chance to go toe-to-toe with Canada’s best collegiate golfers.

On the eve of the 2018 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Golf Championships, the Rattlers were able to get one final practice round in at Desert Blume Golf Club.

Eight Rattlers will tee off on Tuesday morning to open the tournament, with Becky Martin entering as a favourite on the women’s side after earning her second career provincial title just weeks ago.

She’ll be joined by Nicole Schultz and Sierra Zukowski, who will also compete in the team event alongside Martin.

As for the Rattlers men’s team, they boast a roster of five golfers in Matthaus Taylor, Kent Lesko, Brady Resch, Derek Whitson, and Keaton Sulz.

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For Sulz, this week’s tournament provides a special opportunity as he was originally pencilled in as an alternate.

But with teammate David Coldham withdrawing, that’s shot the first-year Rattler to the national stage.

“It’s a little bit of jitters right now and a little bit of nerves,” said Sulz. “But, we’re just looking to get our swings together and get comfortable, and excited for [Tuesday].”

Sulz added Coldham’s presence is missed this week, but is more than happy to get his shot at playing for a national championship.

“He’s a great golfer and we loved having him on the team all year,” he said. “He produced some great scores and I’m just happy to fill in for him while he’s gone.”

Golfers from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and other provinces arrived in Medicine Hat on Sunday and were able to get their first looks at the Desert Blume course.

Many are coming off provincial titles themselves, as the field will feature over 80 golfers from across Canada.

Rattlers head coach Trevor Moore said he’s letting his players know that while there’s plenty of hype surrounding the tournament, it’s still the same game they’ve played all year.

“Inside the fairways it’s just like any other golf tournament,” said Moore. “It’s outside the fairways that is bigger than a normal golf tournament. So, when you get out there to play golf, just go and play golf, go about your business and do what you normally do.”

Opening round action begins at 9:30 am, with the first Rattler in Sulz teeing off at 9:40 am.